A ship owned by the government and used by the U.S. Navy and Marines hit the Mathews Bridge in Jacksonville on Thursday, shutting the bridge down until at least Monday.
The ship that struck the span was the USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin, reported News4.
The ship was previously reported to be the USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat.
The Harry Martin, 754 feet long and able to travel up to 17 knots, was being moved from one part of the North Florida Shipyards to another, under tow.
Damage to the bridge is severe.
“This will be the most significant delay the city has seen in a long time,” JSO Assistant Chief Leonard Propper said.
Officials are saying the bridge will be closed past Monday.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office recommends avoiding travel through the area, however, if such traffic is unavoidable is recommending the following detours:
East/Westbound detours through the downtown area:
Eastbound primary detour route is to the Hart Bridge via the Union St. Expressway to the Sports Complex exit
Westbound primary detour route is to the Hart Bridge via Cesery Blvd to Atlantic Blvd. – motorists should be aware of possible additional delays due to heavy construction
Detours for Arlington, Ft. Caroline, & Regency areas:
I95 North to Zoo Parkway to the Dames Point Bridge
Detours for Southside area:
I95 South to Emerson/University Blvd. exits
